FAU stars to withdraw from draft, go back to Owls

• Adrian Wojnarowski, Senior NBA InsiderMay 31, 2023, 03:58 PM ET

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  • Host of The Woj Pod
  • Joined ESPN in 2017

Florida Atlantic junior guards Johnell Davis and Alijah Martin– catalysts of the Owls’ 2023 Last Four run– told ESPN they are withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to FAU to anchor a preseason top-five group under coach Dusty May.Davis and Martin were facing a midnight ET due date Wednesday to stay in the June 22 NBA draft or return to college basketball.Davis and Martin, who each had a number of NBA pre-draft exercises, return to an FAU program that’ll have the ability to more showcase them for the 2024 draft, with a move to the American Athletic Conference and numerous nonleague games versus nationwide programs.Davis and Martin both balanced over 13 points and five rebounds to lead FAU’s remarkable run to the NCAA Final 4, where the Owls lost on a buzzer-beater to San Diego State in the national semifinal game.Martin had exercises for Dallas, Boston, Chicago and the LA Clippers. Davis exercised for Boston, Sacramento, Milwaukee, Utah, Philadelphia and Indiana.